Billy Branch

Dave Herrero

Bio

3x Grammy nominee Billy Branch was discovered by Willie Dixon, the "father of modern Chicago Blues," while Billy was still in college. Willie encouraged Billy to finish  his college education, which he did, but instead of going to law school after  receiving his political science degree, Billy began touring with the Willie  Dixon Chicago All-Stars. This gave Billy the unique opportunity to travel and  work as an under study for the legendary Carey Bell who was planning to leave  the All-Stars and form his own band. When Carey took his leave, the young Billy  Branch took his place, touring with Willie Dixon for 6 years. 
 
Since those early days, Billy has played on over 150 different recordings, including  12 under his own name. He's recorded with Willie Dixon, Johnny Winter, Lou  Rawls, Koko Taylor, Eddy Clearwater, Honeyboy Edwards, Syl Johnson,  Lurrie Bell, Lonnie Brooks,  Ronnie Baker Brooks, John Primer, and Taj Mahal, just to name  a few.  In addition, he has  received three Grammy nominations (losing one nomination to BB King and  Eric Clapton). He served two consecutive terms on the Grammy Board of  Governors, and founded the Grammy Blues Committee.  In addition, he has won  multiple W.C. Handy Awards from the Blues Foundation, an Emmy Award, an Addy  Award (this is like an Oscar for TV ads), two Chicago Music Awards, and numerous  humanitarian achievement awards. Billy  Branch has become the ambassador of the Chicago Blues. During his 6 week tour of Turkey, he represented the USA in Turkey’s Parliament, teaching political party  leaders to play harmonica!  Thousands of fans showed up every night of the week to experience the authentic Chicago Blues!  He and  his band, the Sons of Blues have delivered this cultural legacy around the world, having made over 70 international tours. The  2007 Chicago Blues Festival honored the thirtieth anniversary of Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues with a 3 hour performance. In fact, they also  headlined the 2011 Chicago Blues Festival.

Billy is a Blues education pioneer. In addition to his recording and performing, he's taught literally thousands of children around the world. His internationally  recognized “Blues in  Schools Program,” is committed to teaching both young and old about the Blues as the roots of America's
music. He has brought his interdisciplinary program to Europe, South America,  Asia, and most recently to Mexico where he taught his two week program in Spanish. In addition he teaches in the Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project.

In his free time, Billy enjoys crusing the streets of Chicago in his convertible Toytota Solara.

Click on the link to listen to more of Billy’s music featured in the library.